---

The Chicago Bulls announced today the signing of free agent forward Andres Nocioni of Argentina. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We’re very happy to add a player of Andres’ ability to our team. He was a top talent in Europe and his work ethic and dedication will complement our team very well,” said Bulls Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations John Paxson. “He plays with a passion that we believe all players should play with and we look forward to him joining the Bulls. With the addition of Andres, Ben and Luol, we feel that we have improved the core of our team.”

Nocioni, 24, comes to the Bulls after spending more than two seasons in the Euroleague with Tau Ceramica (Saski-Baskonia) of Vitoria, Spain. Last season, in 10 regular season Euroleague appearances with Tau Ceramica, he averaged 13.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.0 bpg in 26.4 mpg, while shooting .506 from the floor, including .400 from 3-point range, and .707 from the free throw line.

In Top 16 competition, the 6-7, 225-pound swingman averaged 13.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.6 apg in 24.1 mpg, and shot .567 from the floor. He scored 20+ points twice in Top 16 play, including a 29-point performance versus CSKA Moscow when he went 10-15 from the field, including 5-6 from 3-point range, and 4-6 from the free throw line.

With Tau Ceramica, Nocioni helped his club win the 2001-02 Spanish National Championship and the 2002 and 2004 Spanish National Cup (King’s Cup). He was named the 1998-99 Argentinean League Sixth Man of the Year and later played in the 1999 Argentinean All-Star Game. He also earned All-Euroleague Second Team accolades following the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

“This acquisition would not have transpired without the consent of Saski-Baskonia. On behalf of the Chicago Bulls, I would like to acknowledge their cooperation and patience. We are very appreciative of their role during this process,” said Paxson. “I also would like to recognize Irwin Mandel. There were a number of hurdles that we encountered before we could officially sign Andres and it took a concerted effort from everyone involved to get it done. To say the least, Irwin’s involvement was very instrumental.”

A native of Santa Fe, Argentina, Nocioni has been a member of the Argentinean National Team since 1999, helping it to silver medals in the 1999 South American Championship and the 2002 World Championships, and a bronze medal in the 1999 Pan American Games. He will also participate in the 2004 Olympic Games (Aug. 15-28) in Athens, Greece as a member of the Argentinean National Team.